Grove City Christian: Eagles bracing for Fisher Catholic

Monday

The Grove City Christian football team will face another stern test when it plays host to undefeated Fisher Catholic on Friday, Sept. 27.

The Irish, who are 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the MSL-Cardinal Division, have outscored opponents 181-34.

The Eagles dropped to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the league with a 37-6 loss at Worthington Christian on Sept. 20.

Grove City Christian played without junior running back and linebacker Christian Lautenschleger, who missed the game with a sprained right ankle suffered in a 21-12 win over Dayton Jefferson Township on Sept. 13.

Lautenschleger is hoping to return against Fisher Catholic.

"I didn't want to aggravate the ankle even more (against Worthington Christian) and wanted to play (against Fisher Catholic)," he said. "I wanted to get in and play so badly and hit someone."

Last season, Fisher Catholic defeated Grove City Christian 23-6.

After winning just one game in 2016, the Irish went 4-6 in 2017 but eventually forfeited those wins for using an ineligible player. Last season, they went 6-4 and qualified for the Division VII playoffs for the first time since 2006.

"I know they're big, fast and love to run to the outside," Lautenschleger said. "As long as our defense can contain, we'll be good."

The teams have one common opponent, as the Eagles lost to New Philadelphia Tuscarawas Central Catholic 41-7 on Sept. 6 and Fisher Catholic defeated the Saints 28-14 on Aug. 31.

Grove City Christian managed just 100 yards of offense against Worthington Christian. Quarterback Jayden Hanks connected with Garrett Baker for a 7-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Baker, who missed the first three games with wrist and ankle injuries, had 42 yards receiving. Hanks passed for 50 yards and Kody Brunney rushed for 38 yards on 15 carries.

Fisher Catholic opened league play with a 43-0 win over Berne Union on Sept. 20. Running back Trey Fabrocini rushed for 104 and two touchdowns, and running back Nick Krooner and quarterback Kaden Starcher also ran for two scores apiece.